This solution provides an introduction to the role of industrial controllers in engineering. The MIAC unit shipped with the solution is compatible with Flowcode and also can be used with third-party PC-based applications like LabView and Visual Basic. DLLs enabling LabView and Visual Basic work are supplied. Students learn industrial control by developing programs that solve a series of tasks set for them. Sample applications in Flowcode, VB and LabView are provided. A copy of Flowcode V3 is also supplied with the solution. A teacher's manual is provided.

Locktronics Overview

Locktronics kits are designed to make the construction of electronic circuits as simple as copying a circuit diagram into an exercise book. No soldering or tools are necessary. The plastic component carriers (such as those shown to the right) each support either a discrete electronic component or a functionally distinct circuit building block. Connections between components are then made by simply slotting the carriers between the pillars of a baseboard. As there are only two sizes of component carrier, it is very easy to exchange one carrier for another in order to demonstrate the the effect on the circuit.

The electronic components are usually visible on the underside of the carrier (unless this would compromise safety or circuit behavior), so students also learn the appearance of many common electronic components. Where it is necessary to interact with a circuit element (for example, light sensors), the component will be mounted above the carrier, but there will still be a circuit symbol printed alongside it.

The top of every carrier is printed with the standard ANSI or DIN circuit symbol for the part(s) that it carries, so constructing a circuit simultaneously constructs that circuit's schematic, and vice versa. Component values are marked clearly using the relevant SI units.

Some complex modules may require more connections than are available on a large carrier. In this case additional connections are made using 2mm sockets. With a few exceptions, it will be connections to the power source that will be made this way, in order to retain the clarity of the circuit schematic.